Turkey Day Twists: 15 Regional Thanksgiving Dishes

Every family has its own Thanksgiving traditions, whether the annual meal features tweaks on specific dishes or unconventional menu additions. Some of the more common Thanksgiving twists are actually regional takes on the classic menu that have survived in areas around the country or developed over time. If you're looking to spice up the Thanksgiving spread this year, try out one of these regional Thanksgiving dishes. You might start a new tradition of your own!

Deep-Fried Turkey

As with many fried foods, the origins of deep-fried turkey can be traced to the South. The first records of deep-fried turkey show that it was originally cooked in Louisiana and Kentucky in the 1930s. Fried birds are now a common Thanksgiving tradition, popular for their golden brown skin and moist meat. However, deep-frying such a large item can be rather dangerous and causes a spike in house fires every year.